WALKER ASSAULTED

Did you witness an assault that took place in the early hours of the morning in Long Eaton? A 31-year-old man was walking in the areas of Lynden Avenue, Nelson Street and Manchester Street between 6am and 9am on Saturday, September 9th when he was attacked. Police can’t be more specific about the location or the time because the victim was left in a dazed state with a minor concussion and couldn’t properly recall them. He found his way to a family address at about 9am, and had cuts and grazes to his face and elbow. Did you see anything suspicious that morning? Did you witness the assault, or have you heard something since then that might be connected? Anyone with information should call PC Shaun Elliott on 101, quoting reference 17000391870. You can also call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

JEWELLERY CASH AND PIGGY BANK STOLEN

A pink china piggy bank was among the items stolen by burglars who forced their way into a house through a rear door. The break-in happened at a property in Trowell Grove, Long Eaton, and saw the offenders also make off with a large amount of jewellery. A number of gold rings, two gold brooches, a gold ring with three diamonds in a row, and a gold men’s signet ring with the initials BLM engraved on it were taken. The burglars also stole a wallet containing euros and the pink china piggy bank containing a small amount of cash. Police are appealing for information on the burglary, which happened over the weekend of Saturday and Sunday, September 2nd and 3rd. Did you see anything suspicious in the area, or have you been offered any similar sounding jewellery for sale since then? Anyone with information should call DC Bali Chahal on 101, quoting reference 17000377828. Alternatively, send her a message online by visiting the Contact Us section of the police website www.derbyshire.police.uk/ContactUs. You can also call Crimestoppers on 0800 555

CAR STOLEN FROM LEISURE CENTRE

Police are trying to trace a man in connection with the theft of a bag and car from a leisure centre. A 25-year-old man was using the changing rooms at West Park Leisure Centre, Wilsthorpe Road, Long Eaton, when he briefly left his bag unattended. When he returned, he found his bag had been taken and his silver Renault Clio stolen from outside the centre. The car was later recovered in Nottingham. The theft happened at around 5.30pm on Thursday, August 10th.

Police are trying to trace the man in the photograph, who was seen at the centre at this time and who may have information to help the inquiry. Witnesses or anyone with information should call PC Nick Rice on 101, quoting reference 17000342069.

Alternatively, send him a message online by visiting the Contact Us section of the police website www.derbyshire.police.uk/Contact-Us. You can also call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

FLYING SCOTSMAN

The Flying Scotsman passed through Long Eaton just after 1pm on Friday September 15th on its way to York. The loco set off from London Victoria and passed over Harringworth Viaduct picking up passengers from Melton Mobray and Loughborough. The picture above was taken at North Erewash Crossing near the Tappers Harker where a group of enthusiasts (below) were waiting .

SAWLEY WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

Sawley WI held the September meeting recently after the summer break.  President, Ann Burrows, welcomed members and visitors to the meeting and we caught up with the happenings since our last meeting in July.   We had had a damp social evening at the hall in early August and an even wetter outing to Hull later, which was a bit disappointing but we managed to get around the town and see places of interest to most people. Our speaker for the evening was a volunteer for the Air ambulance Service, who did a sterling job in telling us about the activities of this wonderful and dedicated group of men and women.   Our particular area covers Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Rutland, Northants and Warwickshire – an enormous area, yet served by only two helicopters, one based at East Midlands Airport and the other at Coventry Airport.  The service started in 1991, it has no financial support from either the Government or the Lottery, which is how they want it with no interference from outside bodies.   It is worth noting that the cost of a mission is £2,500 and to keep the service going in excess of £7 million is needed. Seeing slides of these helicopters makes you realise how small they are, with a pilot, two paramedics or flight doctors plus full life support medical equipment.   The response to a call-out is usually approximately 8 minutes. If a patient reaches hospital within the “Golden Hour” (60 minutes after their injury) their chances of survival are greatly increased.  This is why EM Air Ambulance is so vital.   The majority of responses are mainly to motor accidents, with the close proximity to the M1, M6, M42 etc.   Others can be people out of reach of a regular ambulance in situations in the Peak District, sometimes it can be horse riders.  When a casualty is in need of urgent help at a trauma unit the only ones in our area are QMC in Nottingham and Sheffield Hallam Hospital.   There is no helicopter pad for landing at QMC, but hopefully this will be rectified before too long.   This was such an interesting talk by John, the volunteer.  So every time you see the little yellow helicopter flying over this area think about the cost of this service, and the dedication of the teams. Our October meeting will be held at the WI Hall on Wilne Road, Sawley at 7.15 pm on the 10th.  Regulars and visitors are always welcome.

ITS PANTOMIME TIME

It’s pantomime time – oh yes it is!

Erewash Borough Council will host the all-time favourite Jack and the Beanstalk panto at Long Eaton’s West Park Leisure Centre this December - a magical family treat in the lead up to Christmas. Tickets are now on sale for two performances that will be held at 3pm and 5pm on Saturday 16th December courtesy of touring theatre company Gary Starr Pantomimes. Featuring well-known characters, Jack faces the evil Fleshcreep and of course the villainous giant. The performances promise spectacular scenery, stunning costumes, songs and dances, fun and excitement as well as a traditional pantomime dame and talking pantomime cow. Councillor Mike Wallis, Erewash Borough Council’s Lead Member for Culture and Leisure, says: “We are thrilled to be once again hosting this magical family treat that is certain to captivate the children in the run-up to Christmas. Tickets for our last year’s pantos sold out very quickly and we expect this year’s to be just as popular – so if you want to see this family favourite then get your seats booked now.” Tickets are £5.50 children, £6.50 adults or a £22 family ticket (2 adults and 2 children). Available now from West Park Leisure Centre, Wilsthorpe Road, Long Eaton.

ARE YOU REGISTERED

Canvass teams have delivered around 24,000 reminders to households in Erewash where residents have not responded to the household enquiry forms that confirm they are registered to vote. Those residents who have received reminders are now urged to confirm their details or make any changes as soon as possible.  It is quick and easy to confirm your details with three options available – visit www.hefresponse.co.uk; telephone 0800 025 3145 or 07507 319 820 (text only). When confirming your details you must have your household form and the 10 digit security code and 8 letter password on it to hand. Councillor Gerri Hickton, Erewash Borough Council’s Lead Member for Community Engagement, says: “If a reminder has been dropped through your letterbox, we urge you to take action straight away – please don’t put the form to one side and forget about it. The forms give clear instructions on what to do. Don’t lose your right to vote!” Erewash Borough Council has issued a plea for those people to take action now ahead of the start of a door knocking phase during October when home visits will be made to anyone who has still not supplied the information. The council’s elections team can help with any enquiries. Email electreg@erewash.gov.uk or call 0115 907 1190

FRIGHT NIGHT AT MUSEUM

A limited number of tickets are now on sale for a ghost hunt and paranormal investigation at Erewash Museum on Saturday 28th October. The ghost hunt events at the Museum are always extremely popular and tickets get snapped up very quickly – so residents with a fascination for all things ghostly are urged to buy their tickets before they sell out. The event is strictly for adults only as it is a serious late-night investigation, taking place from 8pm through to 1.30am, with previous event visitors claiming to have experienced mysterious happenings. Professional ghost hunters will attempt to uncover the secrets of the Museum – which is housed in Dalby House at Ilkeston, a late Georgian building with Victorian extensions – and those taking part will be given professional ghost hunting equipment to record any activity in private areas of the museum building. Tickets are £28, which includes refreshments.  Over 18s only.  Contact the museum to book your tickets - 0115 907 1141. Councillor Mike Wallis, Erewash Borough Council’s Lead Member for Culture and Leisure, says: “These Ghost Hunts really are extremely popular, but remember, it’s not for the faint-hearted …. it is a serious paranormal investigation and most people who have taken part say they experienced some form of ‘ghostly’ and unexplained activity.” Erewash Museum is located in Ilkeston town centre, a short walk from the Market Place. Opening hours are Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10am-4pm, and Monday to Saturday during school holidays. Admission is free. Contact 0115 907 1141, email museum@erewash.gov.uk or visit the Facebook page /erewashmuseum.  You can also follow the museum on Twitter @Erewash_Museum, and Instagram @erewashmuseum.

MAN CHARGED WITH MURDER

The man found dead in Long Eaton on Tuesday, August 29th has been identified as 63-year-old Nigel McGurk. Officers were called to West Park Court at 11.05am in the morning to reports that a man had been injured. When police arrived, a man was found with fatal injuries and he was pronounced dead at the scene. The post-mortem examination indicated that the victim had been stabbed.

Jeffery Beers, who is 46 years-old from West Park Court, Long Eaton has tonight been charged with murder. He will appear at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates Court tomorrow, Thursday, August 31st.

Inspector Stephen Shaw said: “As our investigation into this incident continues, we are particularly keen to hear from anyone who had contact with Mr McGurk during the 24 hours leading up to his death. Information in relation to comings and goings from the victim’s home address, 16 West Park Court, during that period would also be very welcome.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact us on 101 quoting reference number 17000369614.

Alternatively, get in touch online by visiting the Contact Us section of our website www.derbyshire.police.uk/Contact-Us.

You can also call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

LONG EATON MURDER

A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after an incident at West Pak Court flats in Broad Street this morning. Officers were called to the flats at 11.05 today following reports that a man had been injured. Officers arrived and found a man with fatal injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene. A 46 year old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and has been taken into custody where he will be interviewed. Anyone with information should ring 101 quoting incident number 288 of August 29th.